Oct. 6, 2016 -- With one month of the school year now in the rearview mirror, Marcellus Central Schools Transportation Director Susan Stearns has a stern warning for district parents: Don’t chase the bus!

When a student misses the bus, a parent’s first impulse can sometimes be to hop in the family car and follow the bus to another stop on the route and direct their child to board the bus. The problem? The bus driver is not expecting the student and might accidentally start to drive off while he or she is trying to climb aboard, which could lead to injury.

“It does happen and it’s very scary,” Ms. Stearns said.

So what should parents do if their children miss the bus? One of two things: Drive them to school themselves or call the district transportation department at (315) 673-0211. There might be time for dispatchers to direct the driver to turn around.

“Please call in and see if we can help you find another way to school,” Ms. Stearns said. “But never try to catch up to the bus.”